New research indicates that low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) may provide significant relief for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis worldwide. A clinical trial conducted in South Korea involved 114 participants who were evaluated to compare the effects of varying doses of LDRT against a sham treatment, which did not involve actual radiation.
The findings showed that individuals receiving the higher dose of LDRT over six sessions reported notable improvements in pain, physical function, and overall well-being. Participants were unaware of which treatment they received, helping to minimize bias in the results. While some improvement could be attributed to a placebo effect, the results suggest that LDRT may be a viable option for managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Potential Benefits and Limitations of LDRT
LDRT does not regenerate cartilage in advanced cases of osteoarthritis where tissue is already lost. Nevertheless, it demonstrates promise as a method for symptom management, potentially making life more bearable for those affected. Further studies are planned to assess whether LDRT impacts joint structure as well.
Byoung Hyuck Kim, a radiation oncologist at the Seoul National University College of Medicine, emphasized the clinical need for alternative treatments. “People with painful knee osteoarthritis often face a difficult choice between the risks of side effects from pain medications and the risks of joint replacement surgery,” he stated. “We think radiation may be a suitable option for those patients, especially when drugs and injections are poorly tolerated.”
Osteoarthritis affects approximately 595 million people globally, often beginning after the age of 40, with the risk escalating as individuals age. Current treatments include weight management to alleviate joint pressure and standard pain relief medications. While LDRT is widely used in various parts of the world, it has not yet gained traction in the United States.
Research Rigor and Safety Concerns
The recent trial aimed to clarify existing uncertainties regarding the effectiveness of LDRT for osteoarthritis. A sham treatment group was included to isolate the effects of LDRT, and volunteers were limited in the amount of pain relief medication they could take—an important consideration highlighted in previous studies.
The doses administered in this study were less than 5 percent of those typically used for cancer treatments. According to the research team, no radiation-related side effects were reported by participants. Kim noted that there is a common misconception surrounding therapeutic radiation, which is often perceived as always requiring high doses. “For osteoarthritis, the doses are only a small fraction of what we use for cancer, and the treatment targets joints that are positioned away from vital organs, which lowers the likelihood of side effects,” he explained.
As the medical community continues to explore LDRT as a treatment for osteoarthritis, the findings from this study were presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting in March 2023. While LDRT will not regenerate damaged tissue in severe cases, it could offer patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis a meaningful option to delay the need for joint replacement surgery, enhancing their quality of life.
